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/ ,- ,.„:. .a P ' °T"" 



®J)atacttr mti i^tiuattr of a Jjust JHan. 



FUNERAL DISCOURSE, 



COMMEMORATIVE OF THE LIFE, AND VIKTUES, 
OF THE LATE 



HON. STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER. 



DELIVERED AT OGDENSBURGH, 
February 17, 1839, 

BY 

THE REV. WILLIAM BARLOW, 

RECTOR OP ST. JOHn'S CHURCH. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



ALBANY : 

FRIKTED BY PACKARD, VAN EENTHUYSEN AND CO. 

1839. 



TT: 



23 



of God, and the blessings in store for him. If 
these passages do not glow with a spiritual mean- 
ing, I know not where we can find any that do. 
Full of instruction and comfort, they describe a 
character which we are to acquire ; and promise 
rewards, which, on that condition, we shall enjoy. 
I. In the CHARACTER of the righteous man, as 
here sketched by the Prophet, five particulars are 
noticed, namely ; his piety, his wisdom, his social 
justice, his political integrit}^, and his prudence. 
In the inspired writings, a precept specifying a 
particular action, in its spirit often includes a 
great principle ; and all the kindred actions which 
come within its scope. This rule of interpreta- 
tion is illustrated by our Lord, in his comments 
on the commandments, instanced in his sermon 
on the mount. The rule applies in the case be- 
fore us : for each of these traits of character, em- 
braces a principle that is " exceeding broad." 
The description is as follows. " He that walketh 
righteously, and speaketh uprightly ; he that de- 
spiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his 
hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his 
ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes 
from seeing evil." 



8 

"He walketh righteously." This de- 
notes the rectitude of his character in general, 
and his piety towards God in particular. He 
conforms in his inward disposition, and outward 
behavior, to the eternal rule of righteousness — 
the will of God, as expressed in his law. This 
implies that he knows God aright, and is at peace 
with Him ; that he is instructed in the Law, and 
like the happy man of the Psalmist, delights to me- 
ditate therein day and night ; that his mind is im- 
bued with that fear of God, which is the begin- 
ning of wisdom ; and his heart inspired with that 
love of Him, which is the fountain of all virtue. 
Directed by these rules, influenced by these sen- 
timents, he honors his Maker by every instance 
of piety ; and endeavors to please Him by every 
work of obedience. This single purpose, to 
please God in all things, growing out of filial love, 
and directed by an enlightened judgment, fur- 
nishes him with a better solution of questions of 
duty, than all the principles of casuistry in the 
world : as a test, it is easy of application ; as a 
motive, it is as eftective in the privacy of the clo- 
set, as in the presence of the world. In the 
same degree that a right spirit is renewed within 



Ogdensburgh, Feb. I8th, 1839. 

To Henry Van Rensselaer, Esq. 
Dear Sir, — 

The discourse, of which you have done me the 
honor to request a copy, is placed at your disposal. It was writ- 
ten, as you are aware, without a view to its publication, with an 
Lmperfect acquaintance with the subject, and in too much haste to 
admit of my doing it justice. I regret that it is not more worthy 
of the favor with which you are pleased to regard it. Accept it 
as an humble evidence of the veneration with which the blessed 
memory of your Father is cherished, by myself, in common 
with all who can appreciate his virtues. That a happiness like his 
may attend you; and that in God's time, you may attain to his re- 
ward, is the earnest wish and prayer, of 

Your affectionate friend and Pastor, 

WM. BARLOW. 



SERMON. 



Isaiah xxxiii. 15, 16, 17. 

"He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that de- 
spiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of 
bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his 
eyes from seeing evil. 

" He shall dwell on high : his place of defence shall be the muni- 
tions of rocks : bread shall be given him ; his waters shall be sure. 

" Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty : they shall behold the 
land that is very far off." 

If we were to admit, as several commentators 
suppose, that the primary reference of these pro- 
mises, was to the dehverance of the Jews from 
the great distress to which they were reduced by 
the Assyrian invasion, and the security and plen- 
ty they would enjoy, when the siege of Jerusalem 
should be raised ; still it would be allowable to 
understand them to refer, in a more important 
sense, to the rewards of the righteous in both 



6 

worlds. In the Old Testament, the passages are 
numerous which have this double reference. 
But in this case, the local allusion can hardly be 
admitted : it would attach to these sublime and 
glowing descriptions, a feeble, if not an absurd 
meaning. The Prophet must have intended to 
say, that the just man described in the 15th verse, 
and he only, should enjoy the promises in the two 
following verses. But if the promises referred 
to the blessings of returning peace, it is plain 
that the wicked would share them in common 
with the good. When the perfect man is de- 
scribed, and he is told, that " he shall dwell on 
high, that his place of defence shall be the muni- 
tions of rocks ; that his eyes shall see the King 
in his beauty, and behold the land that is very 
far off;" something more is meant, I apprehend, 
than that he shall dwell within the walls of the 
city, see King Hezekiah in his robes of state, 
and be at liberty to walk or ride out into the 
country ! The promises are peculiar to the cha- 
racter specified, and both belong to the Just in 
all ages. It would be difficult for genius to in- 
vent terms, which in so small a compass, would 
so graphically and beautifully pourtray the man 



him, sin loses its hold upon the affections, and its 
power over the will : It is feared, forsaken, and 
hated. He can say with David, " Thy Law have 
I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against 
Thee." Setting the Lord always before his eyes, 
he makes a straight path for his feet, " He keeps 
innocency and takes heed unto the thing that is 
right, knowing that that only can bring him peace 
at the last." 

" He speaketh uprightly." Or as the ori- 
ginal has it; he " speaketh uprightnesses.'''' This 
implies that he is in possession of the truth, and 
that his words conform to it. A lover of all wis- 
dom, and especially of that which is from above, 
he seeks for it as for hid treasures; and receives 
it with readiness of mind. Taught of God, he 
is filled with " the spirit of wisdom and under- 
standing, and counsel, and true knowledge," and 
out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speak- 
eth. He avoids the vices of the tongue ; all profa- 
nity and cursing, all lying and equivocation, all 
slander and rash judgments, all impure and provok- 
ing language, because the fountain of these bitter 
waters is not in him. His words indicate that re- 
verence for God which he truly feels ; conform 

2 



10 

to the truth which he loves ; and breathe the kind- 
ly spirit which animates his bosom. Dictated by 
discretion, they are fitly spoken ; and seasoned 
with grace, they minister it to the hearer. This 
single trait of character, denotes a high degree 
of moral excellence. He that speaketh upright- 
nesses, will not only tell the truth ; but " he will 
speak of excellent things, and the opening of his 
mouth will be right things." He is " the perfect 
man" of St. James, who " oftends not in word ;" 
for he takes heed that nothing should escape him, 
contrary to religion, sincerity, and charity. He 
is the " good man" described by our Lord, " who 
out of the good treasury of the heart, bringeth 
forth good things" — things " profitable for doc- 
trine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction 
in righteousness." Folly accounts words as 
wind ; — wisdom regards them as the most weigh- 
ty and imperishable things in nature. Words 
are the instruments of the moral power ; and 
sway nations more potently than sceptres. — 
Words achieve triumphs that armies could not ; 
and endure when pyramids decay. The words 
of wisdom are more precious than gems; and 
scatter blessings, as the heavens shed dew. But 



11 

" evil communications" wound more fatally than 
daggers ; they blight virtues that would have tri- 
umphed in a dungeon, or on the rack ; — they kill 
the soul. That then is truly a wisdom from 
above which teaches us to keep the door of our 
lips and to make all our words uprightnesses, 

" He despisetii the gain of oppressions." 
This characteristic includes the great principle of 
justice between man and man. Far from oppress- 
ing any by violence, the just man will not do it un- 
der the sanction of the Law — nor will he withhold 
the rights of the poor, because he may do it le- 
gally — nor will he press his own rights, when it 
would take their little morsel, to add to his own 
superfluities — nor will he withhold good from 
them to whom it is due, when it is in the power 
of his hand to do it : for whatever he might ac- 
quire, or retain, by these means, he would de- 
spise as the gain of oppressions. The cruelty 
which he would despise in himself he contemns 
in others ; for he is not one of the multitude, who 
pay their brutish homage to wealth, however it 
may have been won, or abused. His sense of 
justice, and his feelings of humanity, would impel 
him to make common cause with the injured ; and 



12 

to do whatever he might, hke Job, to " break the 
jaws of the oppressor, and pluck the prey out of 
his teeth." In the parable of the two debtors, 
the oppressor proceeded on the ground of a le- 
gal right ; and for aught that appears, strictly ac- 
cording to the forms of the statute ; but the com- 
mon master of both, gave judgment, not merely 
according to law, nor simply according to equity, 
but according to the inercij which the case re- 
quired. " Thou oughtest" said he " to have had 
compassion on thy fellow servant." He had judg- 
ment without mercy therefore, because he had 
showed no mercy. This teaches us that the 
principles of justice, as settled by the decrees of 
Heaven's Chancery, spread over the whole field 
of human sufferings, and wants ; and embrace 
every claim of mercy, and benevolence, as well as 
of Law. They not only forbid us to oppress our 
neighbor by violence, or to invade his rights as 
defined by our civil codes ; but they require us 
to do to him, as far as our means will permit, the 
good which his necessities may call for. And 
our Lord's account of the solemnities of the Last 
day, shows that the judgment will then turn on 
our fulfilment, or neglect of these requirements. 



13 

When, therefore, the poor cry, the needy, and 
him that hath no helper, the just man will regard 
relief, as a debt, rather than a gratuity. He will 
not reserve his tears, and his bounties, exclusive- 
ly for the sufferers on the other side of the globe ; 
but will find in the forms of wretchedness around 
him, claims upon his resources, to which God has 
affixed his own sign manual. He will not reject 
the claimant because he may have been vicious, 
or improvident; for he will remember that if 
none find mercy but the deserving, none will find 
it. 

" He shaketh his hands from holding of 
BRIBES." Here the just man is presented in an 
official character ; and the abhorrence of corrupt 
practices, intimated by shaking from his hand the 
wages of iniquity, when they are thrust into it, 
shows that in the exercise of his public functions, 
he is governed by a principle o^ political integrity. 
An upright magistrate, inaccessible to direct bri- 
bery, he takes care that no corrupting influence 
may reach him, by any bye-paths of prejudice, 
or favoritism, or hope, or fear ; and administers 
justice with firmness and impartiality. As a le- 
gislator, he will not be found desecrating his sa- 



14 

cred office, by lending himself to a system of party 
legislation, though that condition might be the te- 
nure of his dignities and emoluments. As a 
statesman, the ends he aims at, will be " his God's, 
his country's, and truth's." Pure himself, he will 
not connive at the corruption of others, for the 
sake of their patronage. Choosing obscurity ra- 
ther than dishonor, he is incapable of sacrificing 
principle, at the shrine of party. Honest, as well 
as patriotic, he could not be tempted to pollute 
his hands with the spoils of his country, though 
peculation may have become the order of the 
day; and infamy have ceased to be infamous. 
How essential it is to the welfare of nations, 
that such men alone should bear rule, the history 
of the past abundantly testifies. It is then only 
that the people rejoice ; it is then only that vir- 
tue is admitted into high places; and that na- 
tions become strong in Avisdom and justice. — 
How difficult it is to sustain such men in power, 
the history of the future will show. When they 
who confer office, prefer flattery to truth ; they 
who are willing to pay the price, will win the 
prize : and they who will neither receive a bribe, 
nor offer one, must for the most part, be content 



15 

with an honorable obscurity ; until those great 
emergencies arise, which call forth talents and 
worth from their retirement. When a People are 
ignorant and vicious, they prefer men after their 
own hearts; who, by the just appointment of 
God, presently become their scourges. That re- 
ligion then is the only security of nations, which 
can make the people wise and understanding, and 
the magistrate just. 

"He stoppeth his ears from hearing of 
blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing 
EVIL." This implies that he prudently avoids the 
causes of error — all temptations and occasions 
to sin. Two instances of caution are specified, 
which were peculiarly apposite, in the age of an- 
archy and violence in which the prophet lived ; 
and are not wholly inapplicable, in this day of 
agitation, and popular frenzy. But the princi- 
ple involved in these specifications, is what we 
are particularly concerned to notice; namely, 
the principle inculcated by our Lord, in the pre- 
cept, " Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temp- 
tation." This is the crowning excellence of the 
just man, and the safe-guard of them all. Con- 
scious of his own infirmities, and aware of the 



16 

seductive influence of evil examples, solicitation, 
and opportunity, he foresees the evil and hides 
himself, where the foolish pass on, and are pu- 
nished. Accustomed to pray, "Lead us not 
into temptation," — he takes care not to run, whi- 
ther he would not wish to be led ; thus avoiding, 
if possible, the trial, to which his virtue and 
firmness might prove unequal. As he whose 
garments are white and clean, instinctively avoids 
any impure contact; so he who is clothed in in- 
nocency, shuns whatever might stain, if it did 
not rend his spotless robe. Knowing that to see 
sin, or even to entertain a thought of it, tends 
to blunt that quick moral sensibility, which is the 
soul's first and surest defence ; he endeavors to 
close each avenue by which temptation might 
enter ; " he stoppeth his ears — and shutteth his 
eyes," and evinces the stern and virtuous purpose 
of his mind, by shunning the imminent cause of 
all sin and ruin, the first step in the path which 
leads to them. This attitude of firm resistance 
to all dangers from without, implies that equal at- 
tention is paid to the state of the heart, from 
whence still greater dangers arise. He who 
loves sin, will delight in being tempted, he will 



17 

parley with temptation, and presently he cannot 
choose but to go all the length of compliance. 
There is, therefore, no security for the Christian, 
until the love of sin is expelled from the heart : 
he will then possess his soul in peace j for the 
traitors within, will have been driven out. 

How beautiful is this character of the righteous 
man, as sketched by the Phrophet ! Like Enoch, 
walking with God, he walks righteously. He 
hath truth in his heart ; grace is poured upon his 
lips ; and in his tongue is the law of kindness. 
Just in his dealings, he gives to all their due ; and 
deeming mercy the most sacred of debts, his 
hands are ever open to the needy. Uncorrupt 
in office, he administers justice without partiality 
or fear ; and unwarped by private ends, he con- 
sults only the honor of God, and the welfare of 
his species. In the meekness of wisdom, he 
leans upon Him who is mighty; and while he 
shuns the needless trial, stands firm in those 
which God ordains for him. Such a character 
can be formed only under the sanctifying influ- 
ence of revealed truth, when received in the love 
thereof, and held by a firm and confiding faith. 

It is the " new creation" of Him who hath said, 

3 



18 

" a new heart will I give you, and will put my 
spirit within you." Had Philosophy conceived 
such a character, it could not have given it a per- 
fect form, and a vital energy. Its instruments 
were inadequate : its precepts were defective ; its 
authority questionable j and its hopes dubious. 
It theorized beautifully of virtue ; but could not 
renovate a heart alienated from the life of God. 
Nothing less than " the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost" can reimpress the divine image upon the 
soul of man, and thoroughly furnish him for every 
good word and work. 

II. The Rewards promised to the righteous 
man, in our text, respect both worlds ; and are in- 
cluded in five specifications, namely; his eclesias- 
tical privileges ; his safety under the divine protec- 
tion; the provision made for his temporal wants; 
the vision and fruition of God; and immortality 
in Heaven. " He shall dwell on high : his place 
of defence shall be the munitions of rocks : bread 
shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. 
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty ; 
they shall behold the land that is very far off." 

"He shall dwell on high." If, as some 
suppose, this promise primarily referred to a lite- 



19 

ral residence on Mount Zion, still we may un- 
derstand it to have a mystical reference, to the 
Church of the Messiah, of which that mountain 
was a type. David represents admission into 
Christ's kingdom, under that notion. " Who shall 
ascend into the hill of the Lord ?" he asks, " and 
who shall stand in his holy place ? Even he that 
hath clean hands and a pure heart." St. Paul 
employs the same figure for the same purpose : 
" But ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto 
the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusa- 
lem . . . and to the general assembly and church 
of the first-born." To dwell on high then, is to 
be a member of the church of Christ. To be 
truly so, is to occupy a position of high moral 
dignity and blessedness : It is to enter with God 
into a covenant of life, ordered in all things and 
sure, by virtue of which, we are made subjects 
of his kingdom ; children of his family ; partak- 
ers of pardon, peace, and grace ; and heirs of 
glory, honor, and immortality. It is to rise above 
the grovelHng pleasures and sordid pursuits of the 
world, into a region of purer air, and brighter 
prospects ; to a higher calling, and a nobler com- 
panionship ; where the saints of all ages, and ho- 



20 

ly beings of both worlds, form one brotherhood 
— a temple reared for the habitation of God, 
through the spirit. Well might our Lord ex- 
claim — " Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs 
is the kingdom of Heaven !" The poor in spirit 
alone have the wisdom to discern that kingdom, 
the humility to enter into it, and the grace to 
adorn it. And happy indeed they are ; for its 
privileges and honors are theirs — its promises 
and joys are theirs, and its triumphs and rewards 
shall be theirs. 

"His place of defence shall be the muni- 
tions OF ROCKS." The phrase " munitions of 
rocks," literally means, a strong hold or place of 
security, fenced in with rocks ; a walled city, or 
fortress. Here is doubtless an allusion to Him 
whom Moses calls " a Rock ;" whom David ce- 
lebrates as his "Rock, his fortress, and high 
Tower ;" and whom Jeremiah addresss as " his 
strength, and fortress, and refuge in the day of 
afflction." This then is a promise that God, the 
Redeemer, the Rock of Ages, sure and steadfast 
forever, shall be the defence of the righteous 
man ; enclosing him around, like the walls of an 
impregnable strong-hold. He is under the pro- 



21 

tection of the sleepless vigilance, the deathless 
love, the immutable truth, the resistless power of 
his Creator. Who then shall harm this prisoner 
of hope ? His " inbred sin ?" No verily : The 
old man is crucified with Christ ; and the body 
of sin is destroyed. His spiritual foes? Cer- 
tainly not : God shall bruise Satan under his feet ; 
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against him : 
His outward enemies ? Never : He need not 
fear what man can do unto him : " God will hide 
him privily by his own presence, from the pro- 
voking of all men ; and keep him secretly in his 
pavilion from the strife of tongues." Shall tribu- 
lation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or 
nakedness, or peril, or sword ? Nay ; in all these 
things he is more than conqueror through Him 
that hath loved him. 

" Bread shall be given him ; his waters 
SHALL BE SURE." If wc Understand this promise 
spiritually, it will hold true. While God is his 
Fortress, he shall eat the bread of life ; and "with 
joy draw water out of the wells of salvation." — 
No foes can cut off his supplies : " In the days 
of famine he shall be satisfied." It probably re- 
fers, however, to the temporal blessings of life ; 



22 

and if so, our Lord has given us a parallel pro- 
mise : " Seek first the kingdom of God, and his 
righteousness, and all these things shall be added 
unto you." We could expect nothing less from 
infinite fulness, and infinite love : for He that will 
give grace and glory, will withhold no good thing 
from them that walk uprightly. The outward 
prosperity of the just man, is not, however, more 
the special reward, than the natural consequence 
of his virtues ; which all conduce to health, plea- 
sure, and long life ; to success in business, and 
promotion to honor. This is conformable to ex- 
perience : " I have been young," said David, " and 
now am old ; yet have I never seen the righteous 
forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Were 
we to collect the results of our own observations, 
they would corroborate the reflection of the sage, 
and verify the promise of the Prophet. Whom 
have we ever known to derive any permanent or 
real good from vice, which virtue would not have 
yielded ? Who, that has attained to prosperity, 
has not owed his success, under God, to well-do- 
ing ? When have we ever seen the upright and 
prudent sink into irremediable misfortune ? The 
good man may indeed be stricken with poverty 



23 

and sickness. God may bereave, and men may 
oppress him ; whensoever it may please infinite 
Wisdom to mark him out that path to the wealth 
and bliss of immortality. But in the ordinary 
course of Providence, that is true of virtue, which 
Solomon has affirmed of Wisdom ; " Length of 
days is in her right hand, and in her left hand 
riches and honor." ..." Exalt her, and she shall 
promote thee ; she shall bring thee to honor when 
thou dost embrace her." Let all then, and espe- 
cially the young, remember that the path of reli- 
gion alone can conduct them, safely and surely, 
to prosperity. If they cannot attain it in this way, 
where they may walk in all the security of inno- 
cence, where every virtue tends to their advance- 
ment, and where the friendship and promises of 
God are their guaranty ; they cannot surely attain 
it in any other. Sin may make fair promises, but 
its ways will be found hard, its pleasures deceit- 
ful, and its end death. But the temporal advan- 
tages of virtue are the smallest that attach to it. 
There is a reward for it hereafter. 

"Thine eyes shall see the King in his 
BEAUTY." The truth asserted in a thousand pro- 
mises, is implied in this ; that the just shall sur- 



24 

vive after death, in a state of perfect happiness. 
More than the heir of all the sceptres of the 
earth, he is the heir of immortality. Invincible 
by death itself, that dreaded change is but a tran- 
sition from this prison-house of sin and sorrow, 
to the freedom and citizenship of Heaven. To 
see God is often represented in Scripture, as the 
circumstance which constitutes the bliss of that 
state. To see the immaterial Deity, with a mate- 
rial eye, must be forever impossible ; but it is not 
impossible that some new sense may be there de- 
veloped, which shall give to the dwellers in that 
world, such a consciousness of his presence, — 
such a perception of his infinite perfection, grace 
and excellence, — such means of communion and 
intimacy with him, as we are now incapable of. 
We now contemplate Him veiled in "clouds 
and darkness ;" and comprehending little of his 
mysterious counsels ; and weak in faith ; we seem 
to perceive in his dispensations causes of com- 
plaint, distrust and dread. But there we shall 
see Him as He is, in all the beauty and glory of 
His wisdom, mercy and truth. Here, He is the 
unseen, silent, absconding object of a hesitating 
faith, and a desponding obedience, — if we look 



25 

for Him we cannot perceive Him ; if we speak 
to Him he answers not ; we seek Him, but can- 
not apprehend Him. But there faith will be lost 
in sight, and hope in fruition ; and God will be 
with men, the present, visible, responding Pa- 
rent, dwelling among the children of his love. 
They shall " see God," in the sense which that 
expression often bears in the Scriptures ; they 
shall enjoy Him. They who dwell near that 
Fountain and Centre of all good, cannot but find 
" in His presence fulness of joy, and at His right 
hand pleasures forever more." 

" They shall behold the land that is ve- 
ry FAR OFF." How unlike this little world of ours, 
rolling darkly on this cold and distant frontier of 
Jehovah's dominion, is that land afar off, which 
He hath fitted up for the habitation of his throne, 
and the metropolis of his Empire ! What defor- 
mities mar the beauties of this world ! What 
storms disturb its repose ! What poisons bloom 
with its sweets ! What sorrows mingle with its 
few and transient pleasures ! What a sad por- 
tion of toils, and pains, and sins, and griefs, and 
sicknesses, and deaths, is entailed upon its chil- 
dren ! And yet this is a beautiful world ; aboimd- 

4 



26 

ing with evidences of the Creator's wisdom ; and 
full of the blessings of goodness. How much 
more excellent in beauty then must be that world 
where none of the evils exist, which are here es- 
sential conditions of our probation ; 

" Where joys unseen by mortal eyes, 

Or reason's feeble ray, 
In ever blooming prespects rise. 

Unconscious of decay" — 

Where all is bright, and pure, and good; fit for the 
abode of just men made perfect ; and worthy of the 
High and lofty One, who dwells in that holy place. 
Beautiful land of the nightless day, and the storm- 
less sky, of the living waters, and the tree of life ! 
Happy land, where the wicked cease from trou- 
bling, and the weary are at rest; and the just 
drink their cup of joy unmingled with bitterness ! 
Land of the Blessed, where Angels congregate 
that excel in strength ; and the wise and good, 
gathered from distant Worlds, dwell together in 
harmony and bliss ! " Afar off" it is indeed, for 
immeasurable tracts of space separate this world 
of sorrow, from that world of joy. " Very far 
off" it may seem to us, while we pursue our weary 
pilgrimage thitherward, and fatigue our longing 



27 

eyes in vain, to catch a gleam of its distant light. 
But it is near, if we consider how few are the 
steps that must bring us to the grave ; and how 
swift are the Angel wings that will convey us 
from thence, to the gates of the eternal city, and 
the chambers of light ! There is the Rest that 
remaineth for the people of God ! There is the 
inheritance of the Saints, who, having here no 
continuing city, seek one to come ! How splen- 
did is such a destiny for man ! How stupendous 
is this reward of virtue ! " Behold the taberna- 
cle of God is with men, and he will dwell with 
them, and they shall be his people, and God him- 
self shall be with them and be their God. And 
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes ; and 
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor 
crying, neither shall there be any more pain : for 
the former things are passed away." 

"Well might the Apostle say, " Godliness is 
profitable unto all things, having promise of the 
life that now is, and of that which is to come." 
These promised rewards of the righteous man, 
leave him nothing more to desire. He is admit- 
ted to the honors and privileges of the everlast- 
ing Covenant ; the Arm of Omnipotence is his 



28 

defence ; his daily bread is secured to him, by 
the faithfulness of God, and the tendencey of his 
virtues ; and after death, he will enjoy the vision 
of the Almighty, and an immortal life in the hea- 
venly land which is very far off. What would 
he have more ? This world ? Let him wait a 
little and he shall have a better. Give him this, 
and he would lose both. Would he have exemp- 
tion from sufferings ? Let him wait awhile and 
he shall have it. Give it now and he must fore- 
go that far more exceeding and eternal weight of 
glory, which they shall work out for him. Every 
thing in his present lot, is a portion assigned to 
him by unerring wisdom, and boundless love ; and 
the portion that awaits him, is a gift worthy of 
the infinite God. What could he have more ? 

in. You will have anticipated me, my Breth- 
ren, in the reflection, that the character which 
we have sketched, has been exemplified among 
us, in the person of an eminent servant of God, 
now departed ; and in the confident hope, that He, 
who, in his wise providence, has taken from us 
the bright example, has exalted him to this re- 
ward.. A public notice, in this community, of his 
virtues, and services, is a becoming expression 



29 

of that sympathy which all must feel, for friends 
united to us by the ties of religion, whom to know 
is to esteem and love ; and to whom this public 
loss, is a personal and painful bereavement. A 
proper respect to the memory of just men, may 
indeed be considered as a religious duty. The 
christian graces, as illustrated by their lives and 
actions, reflect honor upon our religion ; and may 
serve as a guide and encouragement to such as 
aspire to wisdom and virtue. To the young es- 
pecially, they are useful, as showing wherein true 
greatness consists, and how sincere happiness 
may be attained. It is to subserve these purpo- 
ses, and not merely to add my feeble suffrage to 
the applauses of a nation, that I now address you. 
Genius and eloquence will bring flow^ers to strew 
upon his grave ; — be it our humble task to inquire, 
what profitable lessons we may learn, from a life 
of virture, and a christian death. 

The late patroon of Albany, the Hon. Ste- 
phen Van Rensselaer, was a descendant of 
one of the most ancient and distinguished fami- 
lies of this country. He was born in the city of 
New- York, in 1764. Left an orphan at a tender 
age, the formation of his early character devolv- 



ed upon his pious mother, and faithfully did she 
discharge her sacred trust. He finished his edu- 
cation in the University of Cambridge ; where 
he graduated in 1782. He came into possession 
of his large patrimonial estate, at his majority ; 
and soon after married Margaret, daughter of 
Gen. Philip Schuyler ; by whom he had one son, 
the present Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. On 
her decease, he formed a second connexion with 
Cornelia, daughter of the late Judge Paterson, 
of New-Jersey. This Lady is the mother of six 
sons and three daughters ; all of whom survive. 

Placed by his ample fortune, and personal 
qualities, in a conspicuous position in society, 
the political distinctions which other men covet- 
ed, sought him. The integrity of principle, soli- 
dity of judgment, and benignity of disposition, 
evinced in the discharge of the numerous trusts 
confided to him, while they conciliated his oppo- 
nents, won the confidence of his country. His 
character presenting a mark too bright for de- 
traction to sully, and too high for envy to reach, 
was respected by all, even in the heat of party 
strife. No one could doubt the purity of his 
principles. No one ever formed a pretext for im- 



31 

peaching them. He was a man whom all delight- 
ed to honor. He commenced his political career, 
at the early age of 22, as a member of the popu- 
lar branch of the Legislature of this State. He 
was subsequently a member of the Senate ; and 
afterwards as Lieutenant-Governor presided over 
the deliberations of that body for six years. At 
later periods he was a member of the Convention 
for revising the Constitution of this State ; and 
a Representative in Congress. On the breaking 
out of the late war with Great Britain, he prompt- 
ly responded to the call of his country, and re- 
linquishing the endearments of home, took com- 
mand as a Major-General of the Militia, on the 
Niagara frontier. A Statesman, capable of tak- 
ing just and enlarged views of social policy ; and 
preferring the permanent prosperity of the State, 
to the fickle popularity of the hour; he stood forth 
with Clinton and Morris, among the earliest 
friends of that system of internal improvement, 
which has enriched this state, and given an im- 
pulse to the spirit of pubhc enterprize throughout 
the Union. He was a member of the first Board 
of canal Commissioners ; and on the removal of 
Mr. Clinton became its President, in which capa- 



32 

pacity he continued to serve to the close of his 
life. He was an active and munificent patron of li- 
terature ; and for many years promoted the cause 
of education, as one of the Regents of the Univer- 
sity. On the decease of the former Chancellor, 
Lieutenant Gov. Taylor, he was elevated to that 
office, and presided in that body until his death. 
In whatever way he has been called to serve his 
country, his probity, his practical wisdom, and 
disinterested patriotism, have shed lustre upon his 
high stations ; while his blameless and benevolent 
life have attracted to him the esteem and love of 
all who were admitted to his intimacy. In public 
hfe, his character was that described by the Pro- 
phet. " He walked righteously, and spake up- 
rightnesses ; he despised the gain of oppressions 
and shook his hands from holding of bribes." 

As a Christian, Mr. Van Rensselaer appears in 
a still more attractive and enviable light. His 
piety towards God, was the distinguishing excel- 
lence of his character, and the foundation of 
every other. It was because he feared God, 
that he knew no other fear. It was the love of 
God that made him a philanthropist. He learn- 
ed of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart. Re- 



33 

ligion was the guiding light that led him onward 
and upward, in the ever brightening path of the 
just. Piety and virtue were the defences that 
shielded his youth ; the adornments that graced 
his manhood ; and the seeds of the harvest that 
enriched his age. These made his influence a 
blessing to his country ; his name an honor to his 
species ; and his memory a more precious legacy 
than his princely fortune. 

In his case, as in every other where such fruits 
appear, the seeds of grace were sown in early 
life. Watered by maternal counsels and prayers, 
they imbibed the full strength of the generous soil. 
A diligent reader of the Bible, and a constant ob- 
server of his private devotions, he became, by 
necessary consequence, a firm and consistent be- 
liever in the Christian Religion. At what time 
he became a communicant in the Dutch Reform- 
ed Church, is not known to me, but he is believ- 
ed to have done so very early in life. Unalloyed 
by fanaticism, or bigotry, his piety was of that 
healthful kind, which could withstand the nume- 
rous temptations incident to his condition. Many, 
perhaps most men, would have found in his youth, 

and wealth, and in the blandishments of gaiety 

5 



34 

and pleasure, which usually attend on them, an 
apology for the errors to which they furnish so 
many enticements. No such weakness, to call it 
by no harsher name, attached to the beautiful 
character which we are contemplating. Proof 
alike against the deceiving sorceries of sin, and 
the corrupting force of circumstances, — ease, 
opulence, and security, do not appear to have re- 
laxed the moral discipline of his mind ; or caus- 
ed him to forget his duties and responsibilities. 
This is not to be regarded as a merely negative 
virtue : There is more moral greatness in the tri- 
umph of virtuous principles over the well-circum- 
stanced, never-ceasing temptation, than in the 
courage that conquers cities, or even the magna- 
nimity that embraces the stake. He achieved 
this triumph ; and surrounded by every misguid- 
ing influence, he made a straight path for his feet, 
from which pleasure could not seduce him. Ca- 
ressed and flattered by the world, he still walked 
humbly with God. Possessing a fortune, ample 
as the wish of avarice, he did not make gold his 
hope, or say to the fine gold, thou art my confi- 
dence; but he sought a better inheritance that 
would endure, when this should have passed 



35 

away. But let us give God, and not man, the 
glory : He did indeed stop his ears to the voice 
of the charmer, and shut his eyes to her attrac- 
tions ; but his security he owed to a strength not 
his own : " His place of defence was the muni- 
tions of Rocks." 

The grace which shielded his youth, shone with 
its mildest, holiest lustre in the domestic circle. 
Too often pleasure erects her shrine in the man- 
sion of opulence ; and God is forgotten where 
the world affords so secure a dependance. But 
in that Mansion the Altar of God was set up ; 
and religion added her hallowed comforts, to 
means of enjoyment, to w'hich the world had no- 
thing more to contribute. A daily service of de- 
votion was performed in the presence of his fa- 
mily ; and the most assiduous care bestowed upon 
their religious instruction. The duties of reli- 
gion he inculcated by example, as well as by pre- 
cept ; and the life which he commended to his 
children, he lived before them. Possessing the 
spirit of his Master, every fruit of that spirit was 
evinced in his daily conversation. Simple in his 
tastes and habits, he enjoyed his affluence with 
exemplary moderation. Gentle and unassuming 



36 

in his manners, none were ever less injured by 
prosperity; none could have worn his honors 
more meekly. The warm and affectionate dis- 
positions of his heart, which blessed his house- 
hold, and sweetened his social intercourse, re- 
mained to the last, unquenched by sickness, pain 
and age. He was gentle without weakness ; dig- 
nified without pride ; and strict without severity. 
The charms of his private character, and the 
beauty of his domestic manners, while they en- 
deared him to the numerous circle that surround- 
ed that bright centre, won the admiration of all 
who approached it. They who saw " the Saint, 
the Husband, and the Father," presiding at his 
fireside, point to that scene of virtue and happi- 
ness, as one where religion wore her brightest 
aspect ; and domestic love mingled her sweetest 
cup. Such a fire-side is a school of virtue. — 
Good cause have his children to remember, " the 
kind counsel, and sweet society of such a father." 
Happy are the children who shall follow his fault- 
less example ! 

The religion of Mr. Van Rensselaer was of a 
highly beneficent character. His princely in- 
come was liberally appropriated to works of 



37 

piety and mercy. Kind and lenient in his deal- 
ings with his numerous tenantry, he will long 
be remembered by them, as one who " despised 
the gain of oppressions." His bounties flowed 
abroad in numerous and steady streams, and few 
are the benevolent enterprizes of this country, 
which have not sought and obtained them. — 
Churches with limited means have leaned upon 
his annual contributions. Indigent young men, 
in pursuit of an education, have found him a 
friend in need. The chief Bible and Missionary 
Societies of our land, enrolled his name among 
their officers, and most liberal patrons. Although 
he was especially interested in the religious and 
charitable institutions, under the control of the or- 
thodox Congregational, and Presbyterian church- 
es ; his catholic spirit and diffusive charities were 
confined by no sectarian limits. His name, his 
purse, and his influence were regarded, in some 
sort, as the common property of the Church of 
Christ in all its branches, and the common re- 
source of every enterprize conducing to the mo- 
ral welfare of man. To the poor his alms were 
given freely, and without ostentation. In doing 
good he sought to escape observation, as most 



38 

men do to attract it. None but the few, from 
whom it could not be concealed, can be aware of 
the extent to which he carried this silent and un- 
obtrusive work of benevolence. It is pleasing to 
reflect, that one of the last acts of his life, was 
to send forth his Almoner on his accustomed er- 
rand of mercy. His was pre-eminently that 
" wisdom which is from above, which is first 
pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be en- 
treated, full of mercy and good fruits, without 
partiality, and without hypocrisy." Observed by 
all eyes, loved by all hearts, the object of the gra- 
titude of the unfortunate, and the reverence of 
the good ; — he could have said with Job, and per- 
haps no man ever lived, who could have said 
more truly — " When the ear heard me then it 
blessed me, and when the eye saw me, it gave 
witness to me : because I delivered the poor that 
cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none 
to help him. The blessing of him that was ready 
to perish came upon me : and I caused the wi- 
dow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteous- 
ness and it clothed me ; my judgment was as a 
robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and 
feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the 



39 

poor, and the cause which I knew not, I searched 
out." 

In prosperity, that piety may serve to content 
the conscience, which will prove wholly insuffi- 
cient for the day of trial. But this excellent man 
had built his house upon the Rock, and when 
trouble came, it was steadfast. Springing from 
a living and vigorous faith, his religion had struck 
its roots into the heart. It was like a tree plant- 
ed by the rivers of water — its leaves were fair, 
and its fruits much. As might have been ex- 
pected, the branch that had bent with fruits of 
mercy, when it was well with him, shed comforts 
in his adversity. The God whom he had loved 
in his youth, and served with his matured facul- 
ties, and honored with his substance, proved his 
" shield and exceeding great reward," when wealth 
and fame, and assiduous love, were found pow- 
erless to soothe pain, or avert death. It was 
needful, that, like his divine Master, he should be 
made perfect through sufferings ; and months of 
debility and anguish were ordained to cloud the 
evening of his life. This period was improved 
to perfect that which was lacking ; and set his 
house in order for his departure. Secluded from 



40 

the world, he devoted hnnself to holy meditation 
and prayer ; and became like a sheaf ripened for 
the garner of God. He declared that he had no 
desire to recover ; that he was afraid of the 
world, and dreaded going back to it again. Hav- 
ing " the comfort of a reasonable, religious and 
holy hope," he feared not to walk through the 
valley and shadow of death ; but being subject to 
severe paroxysms of pain, he was wont to pray, 
that it might please God to grant him a tranquil 
death. The prayer was answered. Disrobed of 
his terrors, the angel of death stole upon him 
with a noiseless step. He felt the icy, but gentle 
touch of the messenger, and bowing his head up- 
on his bosom, calmly asked, " is not this dying ?" 
and fell asleep ! 

I shall close this notice of his decease, in the 
words of one of his sons* — " There is much 
cause for gratitude in having so long enjoyed the 
kind counsel, and sweet society of such a father ; 
and although, in the natural course of events, 
there was no reason to expect that his earthly pil- 
grimage could long continue, still the separation 
is painful beyond the power of language to ex- 

• H. Van Rensselaer, Esq. 



41 

press. But it is consoling to reflect that the 
change was most happy for him. Racked by the 
agonizing pains of disease, he had long looked 
forward to death with pleasure. It was a happy 
death ! He fell asleep in Jesus ; and the flight 
of his spirit was so gentle, as to escape the 
observation of the watching eyes of his children. 
Blessed spirit ; it is with the spirits of just men 
made perfect. It may with truth be said of my 
father — ' Mark the perfect man, and behold the 
upright, for the end of that man is peace.' His 
death presents to the mind the image of the faith- 
ful servant who was found watching at the unex- 
pected time — of the wise virgins, hearing the cry 
at midnight — ' Behold the Bridegroom cometh !' 
and going forth at once to meet him with a bright 
and steady flame. ' Let me die the death of the 
righteous, and let my last end be like his!'" 

In such a life and such a death, there are 
grounds of abundant consolation to his surviving 
friends. It may be painful to reflect that one so 
rich in good works, has been taken from a field 
where so much is to be done ; — But we must not 
complain that the Master has called the laborer to 

give him his hire. Other laborers will supply his 

6 



42 

place. Other hands will dispense his bounties. 
We might grieve to think that one so full of the 
kindest affections, has been torn from the bosoms 
that loved him ; and that he shall see the face of 
lover and friend no more on earth. But he has 
crone to the bosom of One who loves him more 
than spouse or child can love ; and now " his eyes 
behold the King in his heauty,^^ It might seem a 
hardship that the fair possessions which he had 
so beneficially employed, should, in one brief 
moment, pass away from him, as a dream when 
one awaketh ! But what is that loss to him ? — 
Less than the small dust of the balance. He has 
gone to " the land that is very far offy Heir of 
an endless life, imperishable wealth, unfading 
honor, he has entered upon his inheritance. — 
Here the arms that embraced could not succour 
him ; but there he reposes in eternal safety in the 
bosom of God. Here, wasted with sickness and 
pain, nor wisdom, nor wealth, nor affection, could 
call back departed joys; but there, associated 
with the holy ones, he dwells a rejoicing spirit 
before the throne ; and ceasing to suffer and 
grieve, he has become like one of the Angels — 
beautiful as virtue, and deathless as immortality ! 



43 

Rich in instruction, as well as comfort, we may 
learn from the life and death of this just man, the 
true use of riches, and how valueless they are for 
any other purposes, than those for which they are 
expressly entrusted to us. They are talents lent, 
but not given ; and are to be employed for God's 
purposes, and not our own. Attended as they 
are, by great temptations and responsibilities, they 
are a perilous possession to those who misapply 
them. But as the means of promoting truth, 
virtue, and happiness among men, they are of 
priceless value. What sweet satisfactions are 
they not competent to buy, when used to alleviate 
the pressure of virtuous poverty, to dry the or- 
phan's tears, and shed the light of love upon the 
dark habitations of cruelty ? If now these works 
of mercy yield, 

" What nothing earthly gives, or can desti-oy ; 
The soul's calm svinshine, and the heart-felt joy," 

what will be their reward, when the gifts lent to 
the Lord shall be paid again ; and the little boons 
granted to charity, shall become treasures of 
durable riches in the kingdom of Heaven ! For 
every other purpose they are worse than useless. 
What can it avail to employ a wealth already 



44 

useless, as the source of still more useless gains ; 
or as the instrument of a bootless oppression ; 
or as the price of superfluous pleasures, that 
cannot be enjoyed; or of honors that must be 
worn with contempt? But whatever they may 
add to the present enjoyments of life, riches can 
profit nothing in the day of wrath. What are 
the treasures that can soothe the pains of sick- 
ness ? What is the price that can buy peace for 
a wounded conscience ? What bribe can delay 
death ; or redeem a wasted day of salvation ? 
What gifts can pacify eternal justice ; or open 
the doors of that final prison-house ? What shall 
it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and 
lose his own soul ? or what shall a man give in 
exchange for his soul ? What did riches benefit 
him who had goods laid up for many years, when 
his soul was required of him ? Or him who was 
clad in purple and fine linen, when he opened his 
eyes in hell being in torments ? Oh ! my friends, 
had wealth, and station, and domestic joy, and 
the homage of the world, constituted the only 
portion of him who hath now left them all behind, 
could we have deemed him the happy man ? Alas ! 
how poor had he been this day! — his pomp 



45 

brought down to the grave, and the awful retri- 
butions of eternity descending upon his defence- 
less soul! 

Finally, in the life and character before us, 
there are examples of virtue, and lessons of wis- 
dom, beautiful to contemplate, and replete with 
instruction. Behold the happy influence of pa- 
rental piety upon the fortunes of children ! It 
was the care and diligence of a goodly mother, 
that formed the rudiments of his character ; and 
laid the foundations of his fame and happiness. 
His own examples have already descended in 
blessings on the heads of his children ; and all 
of them, it is believed, have come to the holy 
communion of the Christian Church, but the 
young adventurer on a distant ocean. That child 
of a Father's prayers, will come too in his season. 
Consider the advantages of early religion. How 
safely their feet walk who never learn to stray ! 
How steadily their path brightens ! See to what 
heights of happiness and honor it conducts them ! 
What strength and consistency those virtuous 
principles acquire, which have entwined them- 
selves with all the affections of the youthful 



46 

bosom ! Observe with what graces they adorn 
the Hfe ; what joys they give to the heart ; and 
how sweet they make the memory of the just. 
The example of this servant of God is every way 
worthy of our imitation. The wealth and influ- 
ence which fell to his lot, are not among the 
talents intrusted to us. But the traits of charac- 
ter which constituted his moral greatness lie 
within our reach. If young, we may like him, 
give our youth to innocency and virtue. We may 
cherish the high and holy principles of honor and 
religion, which made him what he was. We 
may consecrate our talents, our exertions, our 
resources, to our God, our church, and our 
country. Like him, we may be just, pure, bene- 
volent, — fearing God, and eschewing evil. If 
we do this, though our virtues may not make us 
rich in worldly goods, they will make us rich 
towards God. They may not make us illustri- 
ous, but they will make us happy. We may still 
die unknown to fame — unwept by a nation's 
tears ; but our death shall be precious in the sight 
of God; and that award which the Righteous 
Judge shall give, may make us, in another life, 



47 

his equals in honor and bliss. We shall " die 
the death of the righteous, arid our last end shall 
he like his." — " Our eyes shall see the King in his 
beauty ; they shall behold the land that is very far 
of!" 






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